Public Speaking: The Power of Your Voice Can Unlock Your Greatest Potential! – by Dorothy Montgomery

You’ve heard it many times, the number one fear in life isn’t death—it’s public speaking, but what if by becoming a public speaker you could reach your greatest potential?

Breakthrough practices like learning to speak publically can change your life. “If you can do well what so many others do marginally, then you will be more successful,” says Mark M. Tamer, author of Presentations A to Z, The Handbook for Presenters. Plenty of evidence supports that people with superior presentation skills achieve success faster and go farther. Why is that?

By being an excellent communicator, you master the art of human connection, which sets in motion the transference of knowledge, feeling, and wisdom to others. Now you’re becoming the “go to” person, the expert, the one who has the much sought-after answers. As you master this, here’s what’s happening to you and for you.

You’re building self-confidence. Coming across as confident is a common characteristic of successful people. Public speaking is a skill set that we can all learn—yes, it’s a matter of long preparation, practice, and review, but the payoff can be immense, especially for those who have the sincere desire to step out from under their shell and shine.

You’re seen as credible. Part of the preparation process for public speaking is to know your subject matter. Defining the purpose for your message and providing clear supporting information starts to build expertise. People listen and follow those who have information that is trustworthy and can be used or acted upon.

You’re learning to listen. Mark M. Tamer also writes, “Good presenters should understand how the message personally impacts each member of the audience.” Giving the audience an opportunity to express their interests, opinions, and concerns on the topic not only builds the energy in the room, but continues to build upon the content of information. By listening to my audience, I’ve improved my content for future presentations and audiences as well as my delivery. Learning to listen to your audience fortifies the message for you and for your audience.

Becoming comfortable with public speaking is still a challenge for most of us. What can you do to overcome these fears? “Know that you are worth being heard,” says Dana Bristol-Smith, founder of Speak for Success. “If there’s something inside of you that is important to you—you should share it out loud.” Knowing what you’re passionate about and believing you have a message that is important to others can be a start. Know that those who have mastered public speaking have also put much time and practice into this skill set.

Also remember, your words have power. If you don’t share your words out loud, and hold them back, you could stay stuck in situations you don’t want. When you’re willing to break through your inhibitions, willing to break through your inner glass ceilings, your words have the ability to propel you forward to the career and life that you desire.

I encourage you to find your voice and unlock your potential! Tweet me and share your greatest fear about public speaking and how you overcame it at: https://twitter.com/findyouraim.

With 20 years of experience in Fortune 500 companies, Dorothy has become a talent expert in the fields of personal and professional growth, employee engagement, team and change leadership. She is a Career Coach and Founder of Find Your Aim, a company dedicated to those who seek career momentum while finding their true potential. Dorothy is the host of the popular radio program Breaking the Glass Ceiling, Going Beyond Expectations interviewing career experts and leaders who share their life changing success stories. Dorothy’s Mission Statement is Helping career-minded women find their inherent power.